Family reunification is a legal process that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor eligible family members for immigration to the United States. This process provides a pathway for family members to obtain lawful permanent residency (a green card) based on their family ties to U.S. citizens or green card holders.

There are two main categories within family-sponsored immigration:

1. Immediate Relatives: This includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old. Immediate relatives benefit from priority processing and are not subject to annual numerical limits, allowing for faster approval.

2. Family Preference: This category includes unmarried children of U.S. citizens who are 21 or older, spouses and unmarried children of permanent residents, and married children and siblings of U.S. citizens. Family preference categories are subject to annual numerical limits, which may result in waiting periods for visa availability.

The family reunification process typically involves the U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of their eligible family member. Once USCIS approves the petition, the family member may apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Family-sponsored immigration has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, and processing times vary. Consulting an immigration attorney is often advisable to navigate this complex process effectively.